Manager Couple for Remote Inn - Alert Bay, Vancouver Island, BC

We are seeking a couple to run the day-to-day operations of our remote four-room lodge in Alert Bay, BC. The positions begin May 15, 2024. Alert Bay is located on Cormorant Island, off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island. Facing the ocean, our Lodge sits on one acre of forested property. Eagles nest in our backyard.

This unique opportunity has two components. During the high season (May 15 to October 15) the manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of the lodge. Duties include greeting guests, managing reservations and housekeeping (details below). The salary for one manager is $2500 per month for five months.

The second component and additional revenue source is running our small restaurant. Duties include developing the menu, ordering supplies, preparing and serving meals and taking payment. Two other restaurants in the Village offer seated meals.

This is an ideal position for a couple looking for a laid-back lifestyle in a pristine marine environment. While this is a seasonal position, terms can be negotiated should the managers elect to stay during the off-season.

Originally built as a church in 1961, the lodge is cedar log in construction with 14’ arched cedar ceilings. With the exception of the former pulpit (now the dining nook), its 2900 square feet are on one level. A central feature of the lodge is the 1500 sq. ft. Great Room which serves as a dining room, living room and library. The lodge is licensed as a 14-seat restaurant. Our reviews are on Trip Advisor, Booking.com and Google.

Johnstone Strait is home to one of the largest populations of orcas in North America. Other marine life includes Minke and Humpback whales, sea otters, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Steller Sea lions and many sea birds. Orcas and whales can be spotted off our deck

Guests come to Alert Bay to go on wildlife expeditions for orcas, whales and grizzly bears and experience Alert Bay’s thriving Indigenous culture. About half our trade is European with the balance coming from North America.

Cormorant Island is five kilometres long, has a population of about 900 and is serviced six times daily by BC Ferries (a 35-minute voyage from Port McNeill). The Village includes a grocery store, a hardware store, a health centre, a pharmacy, a liquor store, two sit-down restaurants, a credit union and an RCMP station.

Couples must collectively possess the following skills and abilities:

• Proven innkeeper experience
• Proven restaurant experience
• BC Food Safe Certification
• General maintenance abilities (painting, light carpentry, yard work)
• Public relations experience including guest reception, answering inquiries, and networking.
• Financial management experience including Excel
• Technologically savvy; use of own laptop and familiarity with reservation software
• Coordinating local suppliers to deliver components of lodge-based adventure products.

One member of the couple must be eligible to work in Canada and both members must be physically fit and communicate well in English. 

Compensation:

• $2500 per month beginning May 15 and ending October 15, 2024
• Revenue from meals sold in the restaurant
• Accommodation and utilities are included in-season.